Deuteronomy 29:9

Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

Keep {H8104} therefore the words {H1697} of this covenant {H1285}, and do {H6213} them, that ye may prosper {H7919} in all that ye do {H6213}.

Therefore, observe the words of this covenant and obey them; so that you can make everything you do prosper.

So keep and follow the words of this covenant, that you may prosper in all you do.

Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 29:9 (KJV): "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do."

Context

Deuteronomy 29 begins a new section of Moses' final discourse to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter recounts the renewal of the covenant made at Horeb (Mount Sinai), specifically emphasizing that the present generation, though not having personally experienced the Exodus, was fully bound by its terms. Moses is addressing all of Israel, from their leaders to their woodcutters, reminding them of God's mighty acts and His faithfulness. Verse 9 serves as a direct exhortation, underscoring the vital importance of obedience to the covenant's stipulations for their future well-being in the land they are about to inherit.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Obedience: The verse places absolute emphasis on keeping and doing the "words of this covenant." This is not merely intellectual assent but active, practical adherence to God's laws and commands given through Moses. It highlights the foundational relationship between God and Israel, built on mutual commitment.
  • Divine Promise of Prosperity: A direct consequence of obedience is the promise of "prosperity in all that ye do." This prosperity (Hebrew: sakal) signifies not just material wealth, but also success, wisdom, good understanding, and overall well-being in all endeavors. It implies flourishing in their land, battles, harvests, and daily lives, indicating God's blessing upon their efforts.
  • Conditional Blessings: The structure of the verse clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship: obedience leads to prosperity. This reinforces the principle, prevalent throughout Deuteronomy, that Israel's continued blessing and success in the land were contingent upon their faithfulness to the covenant. This idea is powerfully elaborated upon in Deuteronomy 28, which details the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Covenant" (Hebrew: berith): This term refers to a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by a superior party (God) and involving specific obligations and promises. In this context, it is the Mosaic Covenant, outlining Israel's responsibilities and God's faithfulness.
  • "Keep" (Hebrew: shamar): Implies guarding, observing, protecting, and maintaining. It suggests a careful and attentive adherence to the covenant's terms.
  • "Do them" (Hebrew: asah): Emphasizes active performance and execution. It's not enough to merely know or guard the words; they must be put into practice. This active obedience is the true measure of faithfulness.
  • "Prosper" (Hebrew: sakal): As mentioned, this word carries a broader meaning than just financial success. It encompasses acting wisely, having insight, being successful, and flourishing in a holistic sense. It suggests that God would grant them discernment and skill, leading to successful outcomes in all their undertakings. This idea of meditating on God's law to gain prosperity and success is also seen in Joshua 1:8.

Practical Application

While the Mosaic Covenant was specific to ancient Israel, the underlying principle of obedience leading to blessing remains profoundly relevant for believers today. God's desire for His people to prosper, not just materially but holistically, is a timeless truth. For Christians, this principle is transformed and fulfilled in Christ:

  • Obedience to God's Word: Though under the New Covenant, believers are still called to obey God's commands, which are now understood through the lens of Christ's teachings and the Holy Spirit's guidance. This involves internalizing His principles and living them out, demonstrating our love for Him (see John 14:15).
  • Holistic Well-being: The "prosperity" promised is not a guarantee of worldly riches, but rather a promise of God's blessing, peace, wisdom, and spiritual flourishing. When we align our lives with God's will, we experience a deeper sense of purpose and contentment, even amidst challenges.
  • Trust in God's Faithfulness: This verse reminds us that God is faithful to His promises. When we diligently seek to "keep and do" His word, we can trust that He will guide us and bless the work of our hands and hearts according to His perfect plan.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 2:3

    And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

  • Deuteronomy 4:6

    Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people.

  • Luke 11:28

    But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

  • Joshua 1:7

    Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

  • Hebrews 13:20

    Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

  • Hebrews 13:21

    Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Deuteronomy 29:1

    ¶ These [are] the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.
← Back